Oh, summer dinners are just the best, aren’t they? When the evenings warm up, I crave something light, fresh, and absolutely delicious. That’s where this easy summer salad comes in! It’s packed with vibrant cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty red onion, all drizzled with a simple olive oil and balsamic dressing. Trust me, you’ll love how quick it is to whip up! Plus, it’s the perfect side for those backyard barbecues or a lovely picnic in the park. This salad not only brightens your plate but also makes healthy eating a breeze during those balmy summer nights. You’re going to want to make this again and again!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh cherry tomatoes: Halved or quartered, depending on your preference for size.
- 1 cup of diced cucumbers: I love using English cucumbers for their crisp texture, but any variety works!
- 1/2 cup of red onion: Finely chopped for a nice bite without overwhelming the salad.
- 1/4 cup of olive oil: Extra virgin is ideal for that rich flavor.
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar: Adds a sweet tang that complements the veggies beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, but don’t skimp on the seasoning—it really brings everything together!
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil: Chopped, for that aromatic freshness that screams summer!
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab a large bowl and throw in those gorgeous halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumbers, and finely chopped red onion. Just imagine the colors—so vibrant!
- Now, let’s make that dressing. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. You want it to be well combined, so give it a good mix until it’s nice and smooth.
- Once your dressing is ready, pour it over the salad mix in the large bowl. Don’t be shy—let that deliciousness coat all the veggies! Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly dressed without squashing those lovely tomatoes.
- Now for the best part—fold in the fresh chopped basil! This will add a beautiful aroma and freshness that just screams summer.
- Finally, cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This chill time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me; it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredibly fresh and bursting with summer flavors.
- So easy to prepare—no cooking required!
- Perfectly healthy and light, making it a guilt-free option.
- Versatile enough to pair with any protein or serve on its own.
- Great for meal prep; it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.
Tips for Success
To make sure your salad is as fresh and delicious as possible, always start with the freshest ingredients you can find. When picking your cherry tomatoes, look for ones that are firm and vibrant in color—those will pack the most flavor! And don’t forget to give your basil a gentle rinse and pat it dry before chopping; this helps keep its beautiful aroma intact. If you want to take it up a notch, let the salad sit a bit longer than 30 minutes to really let those flavors mingle. Just be sure to keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve! And remember, don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your taste; cooking is all about making it your own!
Variations
The beauty of this salad is its versatility! You can easily switch things up to keep it exciting. For a crunchier texture, try adding chopped bell peppers or shredded carrots. If you’re a protein lover, toss in some grilled chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas for a hearty touch. Feeling adventurous? Mix in some diced avocado for creaminess or a handful of olives for a briny kick. You could also experiment with different herbs like mint or parsley to give it a fresh twist. The possibilities are endless—just let your creativity shine this summer!
Serving Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with just about anything! For a complete summer dinner, serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish—something light that lets the salad shine. You could also add some crusty bread or garlic bread for that perfect crunch. And don’t forget a refreshing glass of iced tea or sparkling lemonade to wash it all down. It’s the ideal way to enjoy those warm summer evenings!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for this refreshing salad: each serving contains about 150 calories, 10g of fat, 2g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients you choose. It’s a guilt-free option that lets you enjoy all the flavors of summer without any of the heaviness. Perfect for those warm evenings!
FAQ Section
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is perfect for meal prep. You can make it a few hours in advance, just be sure to keep it refrigerated until serving. The flavors will actually get better as they sit!
What can I substitute for the basil?
If basil isn’t your thing, feel free to use other fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, or even dill. Each will give a unique twist to your summer dinner salad!
Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! This salad is all about fresh, seasonal ingredients. Feel free to toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even some radishes for extra crunch and color.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free! It’s a wonderful option for anyone looking for a light meal that fits into various dietary needs.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a couple of days, as the veggies can get a bit soggy over time.
Summer Dinners: 5 Fresh Salad Ideas You’ll Adore
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
Easy and delicious summer dinners for warm evenings.
Zutaten
- 2 cups of fresh cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup of diced cucumbers
- 1/2 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup of fresh basil, chopped
Anweisungen
- In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Gently fold in fresh basil.
- Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This salad is best served fresh.
- Feel free to add grilled chicken for protein.
- Use any fresh herbs you like.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 0 minutes
- Kategorie: Salad
- Methode: No-cook
- Küche: Mediterranean
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 cup
- Kalorien: 150
- Zucker: 3g
- Natrium: 25mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 1g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 10g
- Faser: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterin: 0mg
Keywords: summer dinners, fresh salad, easy recipes
